Obituary

William Robert Fraser

William Robert Fraser, 87, former Newton resident, died Sunday (Jan. 31, 1999) at Peabody Community Living Center. He was born April 30, 1911, in Beach Grove, Ky., to William and Marion (Wanlass) Fraser. On Feb. 13, 1939, he married Letha Margaret Box in Newton. She preceded him in death Feb. 19, 1989. He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Newton and member and past president of Newton Lodge No. 6844 of the Transportation Communication Union. He was a retired carman with Santa Fe Railroad. He grew up in Kentucky helping the farmers, woodcutters and miners of the area. He moved to Kansas in 1929. He worked for many farmers southeast of Newton and also delivered milk for the Sun Rise Dairy in rural Newton. He moved to New Mexico for a short time working for J.W. Huber Co. and came back to Newton and worked for Santa Fe Railroad from 1942 until his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He also enjoyed reading Louis L'Amour western books and talking about trains and railroading with family and friends. Survivors include a son, Robert W. Fraser of Hesston; a daughter, Carol Ellis of Hesston; two sisters, Katie Thompson of Newton and Sarah Isabella Pickle of Amory, Miss.; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Mark Ellis; a brother, James Fraser; and a sister, Rena Powell. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Salem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kent Rogers officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today, 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and until service time Wednesday at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Homecare and Hospice in care of the funeral home.